Sachin Walls
Chicago O'Hare International Airport is one of the largest airports in the world, connecting travellers to 200+ destinations. If you're wondering what to do during a layover, you'll be happy to know that the airport offers a wide range of options. From grabbing a quick bite at the airport's restaurants to shopping at Duty-Free, there's something for everyone. If you have a longer layover and want to step outside, you can catch a train to the city centre in about 45 minutes and visit popular attractions like the Art Institute of Chicago, Millennium Park, and the Field Museum. Back at the airport, you can relax in the yoga room, enjoy a massage at the Terminal Gateway Spa, or simply unwind in the quiet area with free Wi-Fi.
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What You'll Learn
Eat at airport restaurants, including Chicago-style pizzerias and hot dog stands
Chicago O'Hare International Airport is one of the largest airports in the world, with connections to nearly 200 destinations. The airport offers a wide range of international cuisines, with many world-class eateries and restaurants.
If you're looking for a taste of iconic Chicago food, the airport has several Chicago-style pizzerias and hot dog stands. You can find grab-and-go, self-service, or full-service options to suit your needs. Reggio's Chicago Style Pizzerias and Chicago Style Hot Dogs outposts are popular choices, offering local delicacies. Gold Coast Dogs in the Midway food court is another option, serving travellers who never get to explore the city. Their hot dogs come with a range of fillings, including mustard, neon green relish, onion, sport peppers, and a pickle spear. You can also find unique toppings like cucumber, or opt for a more traditional charred sausage in a soft bun.
In addition to the famous hot dogs, Chicago is also known for its deep-dish pizza. If you're looking for a sit-down meal, there are lounges that offer complimentary food and comfortable seating. You can access these lounges with a membership or by using your credit card, regardless of the class of your flight.
If you have a longer layover and want to explore outside the airport, you can take the Chicago L's Blue Line train to the city centre in about 45 minutes. Remember to travel light and keep track of time, as you'll need to go through security and other formalities upon your return.
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Shop at Duty-Free for electronics, books, jewellery, and more
Chicago O'Hare International Airport is one of the largest airports in the world, with connections to nearly 200 destinations. The airport has various shops and stores throughout the terminals, including three duty-free shops.
If you're looking to shop for electronics, books, jewellery, and more, here's what you need to know:
Electronics
O'Hare Airport has InMotion shops at each terminal, offering a range of electronic products for travellers.
Books
For book lovers, Barbara's Bookstore, located in multiple terminals, provides a cosy and relaxing shopping experience. The store offers a wide selection of books and gifts, making it an ideal spot to find a good read or a thoughtful present before your flight.
Jewellery
You can find a variety of jewellery options at the duty-free shops in O'Hare Airport. Additionally, Terminal 2 houses a Sunglass Hut, offering a range of sunglasses and accessories.
Other Options
Apart from the above-mentioned items, duty-free shops at the airport offer a range of products, including fashion items, apparel, snacks, beverages, gifts, souvenirs, perfumes, cosmetics, and more.
The airport's proximity to the city centre, which is just a 45-minute train ride away, also allows for additional shopping options if you have a longer layover and wish to explore beyond the airport.
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Relax in a spa or lounge
Chicago has two major commercial airports: Chicago-O'Hare and Chicago-Midway. While catching up on sleep during a layover is a good option, you might want to relax in a spa or lounge.
Chicago-O'Hare Airport Lounges
Chicago-O'Hare has lounges in Terminals 1, 2, 3 and 5. To gain access to a lounge, it helps to be flying with United or American Airlines or to hold elite status in one of these airlines' loyalty programs.
United Clubs are open to United Club members, one-time pass holders, United and Star Alliance premium cabin passengers, and eligible elite status holders (including Star Alliance Gold) on eligible international flights. Virgin Australia Velocity Gold, Platinum and VIP members, plus Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge members, can also visit United Club locations, provided they are travelling from Chicago-O'Hare on United. Access is also available to certain United credit cardholders.
United Clubs offer hot and cold buffet meals and drinks from an open bar. Other amenities include workstations, free Wi-Fi, seats with power outlets, and Illy coffee machines. The lounge near gate C18 (Concourse C) is open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, while the lounge near gate F9 (Concourse F) is open from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. A boarding pass must be presented to enter.
Chicago-Midway Airport Lounge
Chicago-Midway International Airport will soon be home to its first-ever airport lounge, set to open in late 2024.
Chicago Airport Spas
If you're looking for a spa, the Terminal Gateway Spa at Chicago Airport provides massages, facials, manicures, and pedicures. You can also get massages and facials at the XpresSpa.
For a more comprehensive spa experience, Chicago is home to a selection of world-class spas. These include the spa within the Langham Hotel, which bases its practices on traditional Chinese medicine and the five elemental forces of Wu Xing. Treatments include an acupressure massage with invigorating Po Sun On oil and a full-body mud mask. The spa also features a 67-foot pool and eucalyptus and Himalayan salt stone saunas.
Lincoln Park's H20 House offers scalp health assessments and a head spa experience that includes a scalp massage, hair follicle purification, acupressure, and other circulation-boosting rituals.
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Visit the city centre via the Chicago L's Blue Line
If you're looking to get into Chicago's city centre from O'Hare International Airport, the Chicago L's Blue Line is your best option. The Blue Line is one of five "L" lines that service the Chicago suburbs, and the O'Hare branch is the longest section of the Blue Line at 14.6 miles (23.5 km). The Blue Line starts at O'Hare International Airport in an underground station below the airport's main parking garage, with direct pedestrian access to Terminals 1, 2, and 3. From there, you can reach the city centre in about 45 minutes.
The Blue Line has stops at Division, Chicago, and Grand, as it continues southeast towards downtown under Milwaukee Avenue. At the intersection of Ashland and Milwaukee Avenues, the line descends underground and swings over to Milwaukee Avenue. East of the Clark/Lake stop, where in-system transfers are provided to 'L' trains on the Loop, the tracks swing south under Dearborn Street, with a continuous platform similar to the one used in the adjacent State Street subway. The Blue Line has stops at Washington, Monroe, and Jackson, and then turns west under Ida B. Wells Drive, with stops at LaSalle and Clinton, two blocks south of Union Station.
The Blue Line is a great way to get a feel for Chicago as you travel between the airport and the city centre. Along the route, you'll pass through neighbourhoods like Rosemont, Oak Park, and Forest Park. You'll also get a sense of the city's layout and some of its iconic landmarks.
When travelling on the Blue Line, it's important to keep in mind that the airport currently does not have any facilities to store luggage. So, make sure you travel light and don't carry a lot of baggage if you plan to venture out during your layover. Also, be mindful of time as you'll need to allow for security checks and other formalities at the airport when returning for your departing flight.
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Explore attractions near the airport, such as the Field Museum and Millennium Park
Chicago O'Hare International Airport is one of the largest airports in the world, with connections to nearly 200 destinations. If you have a long layover, you might want to explore some of the nearby attractions, such as the Field Museum and Millennium Park.
Field Museum
The Field Museum of Natural History, located near downtown Chicago, is one of the premier museums in the United States. It was established in 1893 to house the exhibits and collections from the World's Columbian Exposition, and its original name was the Columbian Museum of Chicago. The museum moved to its present location in 1921 and was renamed in 1905 to honour its first major benefactor, Marshall Field, and to reflect its focus on natural history. The Field Museum has a diverse range of specimen material and artefacts, including the Boone collection of over 3,500 East Asian artefacts, botanical collections, and the mollusk collection, which once occupied an entire exhibit hall. The museum also has a herbarium with botanical specimens from universities in Illinois and its research and outreach programs are renowned.
Millennium Park
Millennium Park, located in downtown Chicago, is a 3.5-acre urban sanctuary that combines stunning architecture, sculpture and landscape design. The park offers a variety of free events, public art installations, interactive fountains, tranquil gardens, skating rinks, rock climbing, and plenty of green space. One of its iconic features is the Cloud Gate statue, also known as "The Bean". During the summer, the park hosts a variety of events, including the Summer Music Series, the Summer Film Series, and festivals such as the Chicago Blues Festival and the Chicago Jazz Festival. In winter, the park transforms into a whimsical ice skating wonderland, with the McCormick Tribune Plaza & Ice Rink offering free skating and stunning views of the city skyline. The park also has dining options, such as Napolita, an authentic Neapolitan pizzeria, and the Double Clutch Brewing Company, which features a large beer garden.
To reach these attractions from the airport, it is recommended to take the Chicago L's Blue Line train to the city centre, which takes about 45 minutes. Remember to travel light and keep track of time to ensure you return to the airport in time for your flight.
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Frequently asked questions
Chicago O'Hare Airport has a lot to offer. You can eat at one of the many restaurants, such as Reggio's Chicago Style Pizzerias, Chicago Style Hot Dogs outposts, and Garrett Popcorn Shops. You can also do some shopping at Duty-Free or relax in one of the lounges. If you're looking for something more active, there is a yoga room available for passengers.
If you have at least 8 hours during your layover, you can head into the city centre via the Chicago L's Blue Line. There, you can visit the Art Institute of Chicago, the Museum of Science and Industry, Millennium Park, the Field Museum, and more.
Yes, in addition to the restaurants inside the airport, there are also some good food spots nearby. One option is the Loews Hotel O'Hare, which is close to the airport and has a great restaurant, bar, and lobby.
